Some works of art are so recognizable now that it's easy to forget that they were groundbreaking, controversial, or even failures at one time. This series is an inviting look into the remarkable creations and intriguing biographies of artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Mary Cassatt, and Leonardo da Vinci. Readers first learn about the events in the artists' lives that influenced their careers. Then they examine each artist's most celebrated pieces with particular attention to themes and techniques. Finally, readers are encouraged to pick up their brushes and create their own work of art in the style of the artist. • Primary sources include both paintings and artists' quotations • Fact boxes, timelines, and labeled artwork make this an accessible introduction to the art world • Biographies and books about the arts are cited as valuable informational texts in the Common Core English Language Arts Standards